Ceretto: Stop fighting job growth and legalize MMA

by jmaloni

Press release

Thu, Jan 31st 2013 04:20 pm

Assemblyman
John Ceretto, R-I-C-Lewiston, will introduce legislation to legalize mixed
martial arts in New York. The sport is expected to generate more than $5.2
million in economic activity a year in Western New York, plus additional
revenue for the state. Currently, MMA is regulated and recognized by 36 out of
44 states that have athletic commissions, including California, New Jersey,
Ohio and Pennsylvania.

"Once again, New York state is missing out on
an opportunity to generate revenue, create jobs and strengthen our tourism
industry," Ceretto said. "Mixed martial arts is not the 'no-holds barred'
debacle it was 20 years ago. Today, MMA is highly regulated and is one of the
safest contact sports, with far fewer injuries than boxing, football or even
gymnastics. MMA is a proven draw, and I look forward to the day when venues in
Niagara Falls and throughout the region have the ability to host these exciting
and profitable events."

"MMA will be another event to help bring
tourist(s) and their dollars to Niagara Falls, and would be a boost for local
hotels, food-service and other tourist-related industries," Ceretto said. "The
sport is very popular and has a loyal fanbase, which is rapidly growing
worldwide. These fans want to enjoy the sport live, and I believe Niagara Falls
would be an ideal venues for these events."

Ceretto
said opponents of the sport are misinformed and noted that the Ultimate
Fighting Championship made rule changes several years ago to enhance the
sport's safety and make it more palatable to both the mainstream public and
top-notch athletes and competitors.

"I
understand that some people may not like the sport. However, there is no reason
to stand in the way of allowing thousands of New York mixed martial arts fans
to enjoy the sport locally," Ceretto said. "The sport is all over television
and can even be seen regularly on broadcast television. By failing to (legalize)
MMA in New York, the Legislature is just ensuring that this money is spent
elsewhere and depriving our economy of a proven commodity that will have a
positive effect on a wide range of businesses. As the ranking member of the
assembly tourism committee, I find that unacceptable. MMA should be a part of
our local tourism industry, and I am confident that common sense will finally
trump misguided perceptions of the sport this year."